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St John Paul initiated the world day of prayer for the sick more than twenty years ago. Each year on the 11th of February we are invited to pray for and pray with the sick. This year Pope Francis is proposing a meditation and prayer on the theme. “The Almighty has done great things for me”. The sick were always given priority by Christ during His life. The world day of prayer is an opportunity to remember and pray for the sick in hospital or in places of care or being looked after by their family in their homes. The patience, courage and faith of the sick can be an example and inspiration to us.

The world day of prayer for the sick is a reminder that one of the seven sacraments is the sacrament of the sick. The apostle James wrote “ if there any who are sick among you, send for the priests of the church, pray over them, anointing them with the oil in the name of the Lord; the prayer of faith will save the sick person and the Lord will raise them up.” Matt 11, 27 Jesus says “Come to me all who labour and are overburdened and I will give you rest. Learn from me for I am gentle and humble of heart and you will find rest for your souls.”

During the World of Prayer we can also remember the doctors, nurses, ancillary staff, chaplains and carers and who dedicate their lives to caring for the sick. A big thank you to each and every one of them may the good Lord continue to bless them with patience, kindness and a professional approach.

Recently a sixth class pupil enquired about the Anointing of the sick. This presented an opportunity to me an opportunity to talk and explain as best I could the significance of the sacrament of the sick. This weekend presents an opportunity to each of us to talk about this great sacrament and the power and healing effect of the sacrament.